Forfar Sheriff Court work uncovers documents dating back to 1800s

Important shrieval artefacts have been uncovered as Forfar prepares for a new era of justice.

The sheriff courthouse in Market Street is due to become the justice hub for Angus when business transfers from Arbroath at the end of May.

An annexe formerly occupied by Angus Council has been taken over by the Scottish Court Service to expand the accommodation available and the court building is the subject of significant alterations.

Those have taken in the old records room, where the shelves have given up interesting items, including vellum documents bearing the oath of allegiance taken by a succession of sheriffs from the mid-1800s.

From those early days, Forfar has a sheriff principal and the vellum records of the signing oaths of sheriff substitutes have intrigued current resident sheriff Kevin Veal.

“These documents are matters of some historical significance and I am grateful that they have surfaced during these works before perhaps being lost forever,” Sheriff Veal said.